Pros

Model Highlights

The Chevy Aveo, which is assembled by GM Daewoo in Korea, is offered in two body styles for 2008, a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback; the hatchbacks are called Aveo5.

Both models are powered by a 103-horsepower, 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder engine, which can be matched to a standard five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The automatic features a hold control mode, to hold a higher gear and aid traction on slippery roads.

All Aveo models have a MacPherson strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar, and a compound-link rear independent suspension with gas-charged shocks, along with variable-rate power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Seat-mounted side air bags for front occupants are standard, and anti-lock brakes are optional across much of the line.

Both the sedan and hatchback feature theater-style rear seating, with a 60/40-split back seat that folds forward to expand the trunk are on sedans, or the cargo area on hatchbacks, for larger cargo.

The sedan is available in mid-range LS and well-equipped LT models, while the Aveo5 is offered in stripped-down SVM (Special Value Model) and LS trims. LS equipment is not equivalent between the two models. On LS sedans, standard features include tilt steering, a rear defogger, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo with auxiliary input. The SVM Aveo5 model comes without air conditioning or side air bags. On Aveo5 LS models, anti-lock brakes, fog lamps, cruise control, keyless entry, a sunroof, and CD player are added. LT sedan models come with the most standard features, including heated outside mirrors, keyless entry, and a six-speaker CD/MP3 sound system.

New 15-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels are available on all LS models and standard on the LT sedan. Other noteworthy options include steering wheel audio control, a power sunroof and, on the LT, perforated leatherette seats.

Model News

For 2008, the upscale Chevy Aveo LT sedan gets chrome door handles, and an available Power Package, which includes power windows and locks and remote keyless entry. New-design 15-inch alloy wheels are available across the lineup.

Also, the sedan's suspension has been retuned with a firmer setting for more precise handling.

Value Writeup

The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo appeals to shoppers primarily on the basis of its very low initial price. The Aveo SVM especially, with its entry price of just over $10,000, is the lowest-priced passenger car currently on sale in the U.S. Both body styles are quite roomy inside and have a comfortable ride relative to other small cars.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Aveo vehicles equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the center console in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module.

Consequence

If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.

The remedy for this recall campaign is still under development. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14236.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Frontal Driver

Frontal Passenger

Side Driver

Side Rear Passenger

Crash Test Note

Results based on a 35 MPH frontal crash and 38.5 MPH side crash. Results are reported in a range of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the best crash protection for vehicles within the same weight class. This test used driver and passenger belts and airbags.

NHTSA Rollover Rating

Rollover Note

The Rollover Resistance Rating is an estimate of your risk of rolling over if you have a single vehicle crash. It does not predict the likelihood of that crash. The Rollover Resistance Rating utilizes a "fishhook" maneuver which is a series of abrupt turns at varying speeds to see how "top-heavy" a vehicle is. The more "top-heavy" the vehicle, the more likely it is to roll over. The lowest rated vehicles (1-star) are at least four times more likely to roll over than the highest rated vehicles (5-stars).

Warning tones, include headlamps, safety belts and key in the ignition with the door ajar

Fuel filler door release, remote lever

Trunk release lever, inside

Air conditioning, single-zone manual, includes (K11) air filter and rear air vents

Defogger, rear-window electric

Ashtray and lighter

Map pockets, front doors and driver and front passenger seatbacks

Power outlet, instrument panel-mounted auxiliary with cover, 12-volt

Mirror, inside rearview manual day/night

Visors, driver and front passenger vanity mirrors

Assist handles, front and rear outboard

Lighting, interior overhead courtesy

Daytime Running Lamps

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact, driver and right-front passenger with Passenger Sensing System (Always use safety belts and the correct child restraints for your childs age and size. Even in vehicles equipped with air bags and the Passenger Sensing System, children are safer when properly secured in a rear seat. Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat of any vehicle equipped with an active frontal air bag. See the vehicles Owners Manual and child safety seat instructions for more safety information.)

Est. Payment *

Vehicle Price: 12,830.00

*Estimated payments are for informational purposes only and don't account for acquisition fees, destination charges, tax, title, and other fees and incentives or represent a financing offer or guarantee of credit from the seller.